Editor-In Chief Narayan Prasad Adhikari and reporter Shalik Bhatta at https://www.onlinepana.com/ were attacked for reporting news in Sarlahi on September 22. Sarlahi district lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.

Editor Adhikari shared with Freedom Forum that journalists duo had been doing followup reporting on illegal construction of a lake in the Bagmati Municipality. On the day of incident journalists reached the municipality office to interview the municipality chief on the same issues.

During the interivew, Mayor was unable to answer a few questions. Thereafter, while we were returning back, Mayor's brother and few other people attacked us, blocking our way on the highway. We have received injuries on head and face from the attack.

"I am preparing to file a First Information Report at the district police station against the attackers", informed Adhikari

Freedom Forum condemns the attack upon journalists for their news reporting. It is a sheer violation of press freedom. Hence, FF strongly urges the concerned authority to respect journalists' right to free reporting. The security authority is also urged to ensure safety and security of the journalists thus contributing to the free and fair reporting atmosphere for fellow journalists.